Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Abyssinia US 107221

Explore the wreck of the Abyssinia, a schooner-barge lost in 1917, located near Tecumseh Reef in Lake Erie. A site rich in maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Abyssinia
  • Type: Schooner-Barge
  • Year Built: 1896
  • Builder: James Davidson & Co.
  • Dimensions: 288.6 ft (88 m); Beam 44.6 ft; Depth of hold 19.1 ft
  • Registered Tonnage: 2037 gross, 1916 net
  • Location: Tecumseh Reef, near Buffalo, New York
  • Coordinates: 42.821667, -79.715
  • Official Number: US 107221
  • Original Owners: Hutchinson & Co.
  • Number of Masts: 4

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Abyssinia was a schooner-barge, a hybrid vessel designed to transport large cargoes with the versatility of sails and the utility of a barge. Equipped with four masts and two decks, the wooden vessel could navigate independently or be towed by a steamer, making it an essential part of Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

The Abyssinia was built in 1896 by James Davidson & Co. in West Bay City, Michigan. It was a substantial vessel with dimensions of 288.6 feet in length, a beam of 44.6 feet, and a depth of 19.1 feet, with a gross tonnage of 2037 and a net tonnage of 1916. These specifications highlight its capacity for carrying large bulk cargoes such as grain and other commodities.

History

Throughout its operational life, the Abyssinia was involved in various towing operations. Notable incidents included damage during a storm in 1900 and tows by the City of Glasgow (1901) and E.M. Peck (1912). Despite challenges, the vessel remained active until its final voyage.

On October 18, 1917, while carrying a cargo of wheat, the Abyssinia struck Tecumseh Reef, a submerged hazard 3 miles west of Buffalo, New York, in Lake Erie. All eight crew members survived, but the vessel was declared a total loss and abandoned.

The wreck was rediscovered in 1962, providing insights into early 20th-century maritime commerce and vessel construction.

Significant Incidents

  • Damage during a storm in 1900.
  • Towed by the City of Glasgow in 1901.
  • Towed by the E.M. Peck in 1912.
  • Struck Tecumseh Reef on October 18, 1917, leading to total loss.

Final Disposition

The Abyssinia was abandoned on October 18, 1917, after running aground on Tecumseh Reef. The wreck remains a historical site at the specified coordinates.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Notices: Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near Tecumseh Reef and the wreck site. The shoal remains a hazard in the area.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The loss of the Abyssinia on October 18, 1917, is a testament to the challenges faced by schooner-barges navigating the Great Lakes. Its role in transporting bulk cargo highlights the vital contribution of vessels like the Abyssinia to regional commerce. Though declared a total loss after striking Tecumseh Reef, the discovery of its wreck in 1962 provides a valuable window into the maritime history of Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes region.